Method and apparatus for bending ribbed sheet metal flashings



July 7, 1936. r A, HE E 2,046,608

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BENDING RIBBED SHEET METAL FLASHINGS Filed Aug. 8, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 F 1:943. 3mm

flLm/v CHENEY July 7, 1936. C E 2,046,608

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BENDING RIBBED SHEET METAL FLASHINGS Filed Aug. 8, 19:55 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 h o 26 Q .3 2 i 25 20 -M3w 5 32' l :EJju

a I '1 I r k 30 -'Ei ,34 E I I 34 i: i Z; 35 9 5 a 1' 10% Z7 g 1 I I E m 1 1 38 36 5 i I l 1 A. CHEN EY July 7, '1936.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BENDING RIBBED SHEET METAL FLASHINGS Filed Aug. 8, 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented July 7, 1936 LATENT OFFICE METHOD AND APPARATUSQFOR BENDING RIBBED SHEET METAL FLASHINGS Allan CheneyfMelrose, Mass, assignor to The Cheney Company, a corporation of Massachusetts Application August 8, 1933, Serial Nb. 684,283

15 Claims. (01. 153-16) 'The present invention relates to improvements in the method and apparatus for forming counter flanges and interlocking wall. flashing, and aims generally to improve both existing methodsand apparatus therefor.

Interlocking wall flashings, as used in modern masonry structures comprises a sheet of'metal, preferably copper, of desired width to extend entirely through the wall of a masonry structure so. as to cut off the downward seepage of water that infiltrates into the wall. The flashing sheet is embedded in a layer of mortar of the wall structure and as mortar does not bond or adhere to sheet metal, the flashing sheet is deformed to provide dovetail-like ribs and recesses into which the mortar may be molded so as to provide a mechanical bond between superposed courses of masonry, and advantageously may be of the types and construction shown in the: Cheney PatentsNos. 1,715,000 and 1,871,585. In many instances the flashing sheet is formed with a counter flange, as for example,. when used above a roof line or in conjunction with a base flashing, asshown in the Cheney Patents Nos. 1,728,955 and 1,868,092. J Advantageously .the ribs and grooves of the flashing sheet extendtran'sversely of the sheet as shown in: theCheney Patent No. 1,715,000, dated September24, 1929, and No. 1,871,585 dated August 16, 1932, so as to provide a maximum number of interlocking keys with. the mortar above and below'the sheet, the grooved portions, on the upper surface of the flashing sheet, constituting drainage areas to permit a free unobstructed draining of the water of infiltration outwardly from said walls. I

Heretofore in the manufacture of wall flashings, and particularly'when bending the counter flange thereon, the metal of the sheet between the ribs-and which forms the drainage grooves, during the bending, is distorted upwardly-or in a direction opposite to the direction of bend for the counter'fiange, thus in effect forming a dam across the drainage grooves, and seriously preventing the free drainage of water of infiltration from the'wall. With these problems in view, my present invention aims to improve existing methods and apparatus as well as the flashing itself, by bending the marginal edge portions of the sheet to form the counter flange, while clamping the opposite surfacesv of the sheet constituting the drainage groovesagainst deflection or distortion, So that the drainage surfaces of the grooves of the finished 1 flanged flashing sheet will lie in a symmetrical horizontal plane, and be free from distortion such as would constitute a dam against the free drainage of water from said grooves.

With these and other objects in. view reference may be had to the accompanying drawings which 5 are explanatory of preferred forms of the method as well as exemplifying a suitable apparatus for practicing the method.

In the drawings--.

Fig. 1 is a perspective View of one form of inter 10 looking wall flashing-capable of being bent according to my invention;

Fig. 2, is a perspective View of another form of interlocking wall flashing that may be bent according to the invention. 1 7

Figs. 3, 4 and 5. are detail diagrammatic .views illustrative of successive steps in the forming of thecounter flangeaccording to the present invention; V

Fig. 6 is detail diagrammatic views illustrating 20 modified forms of the method and apparatus according-to thepresentinvention; I Fig. 7 is a front elevation of one form of apparatus for practicing the method;

i Fig, 8 is an endview thereof; Fig. 9 is an-enlarged sectional view taken on the line 99 of Fig. 7; and

Fig. 10is a detail sectional view taken on the line l0- lfl of Fig. 7. j

In the bending of the counter flange in inter- 30 lockin wall flashin according to the present inventiqga sheet of metal, such as copper, previously deform ed to provide interlockingribs and grooves, such as the dovetail ribs and grooves of the flashing shown in Fig. 1, orthe saw-tooth 35 dovetail ribbed construction of Fig. 2, is placed, in a suitable bending machine, the material ,being clamped in position in themachine by means of filler blocks F, or the like, engaging inthe grooved portions of the sheet which constitute 40 the water drainage grooves G, and a clamping bar 0. I'he-filler blocks F advantageously are of a size and shape to correspond tothe cross section ofthe grooves G, so that when the sheet is clamped in position as shown in Fig. 3, distortion 45 of 'the metal of the grooves, in the region of the bending point, will be prevented. The clamping face of the bar C is plain (see Fig. 7) so that only the groove portions of the flashing are clamped.

With theinitialflashing sheet so clamped, a 50.

bending plate-B is rotated about the pivotal axis P; tobend the'sheet metal above it, to form an angularben'd on the marginal edge of the flashing sheet- Preferably this bending includesimovementoi the marginal edge of the sheet through an angle of 90 so that a right angled counter flange'is formed on the sheet (see Fig. 5).

The bending plate B obviously engages the depending rib portions of the flashing intermedi- 'ate the clamped groove portions (see Figs. 3 and 4) so that the metal of the unclamped rib portions, below the clamping bar 0 may gradually slope toward the bend (see Fig. 5),'making possible a more satisfactory bend.

In many cases it is desirable that the ribs of the counter flange be flattened to reinforce the flange and instead of effecting this flattening of the ribs in a separate pressing operation, as is customary, the flattening of, the ribs may take place simultaneously with the'forming of the counter flange; In order to accomplish this flattening (see Fig. 6), the clamping bars may be formed or provided with a vertical face C along the face of the clamp C which is adjacent to the vertical plane of the bending point P. As'will be apparent, this face C will act as a backing or abutmentagainst which the ribbed counter flange may be pressed during the final movement of the bending bar B, so as to flatten the ribs of the counter flange into reinforcing or stiffening'plaits. i I A suitableapparatus for carrying out the method and which comprises one preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figs. '7 to lo inclusive.

Ac'cording to the invention, end frames 10, which may comprise spaced angle iron uprights H connected'atthe lower ends by foot'portions 12 are rigidly connected together by a bed I3 and tie-rod M. The bed l3 (see Fig. 9) may beadvantageously constructed of T-iron, as shown, andisarranged to support theflashing material to be bent, adjacent the bending point. A table IB'arranged to support the body of the material is-pivotally connected, as at it, to the bed I3 and is sup 'orted in ahorizontal position, in the plane of the top of the bed l3, bymeans of legs I! pivoted to-the outer-edge of the table and notched as at l8to engageacross bar l9 cohnectedto the opposite foot portions I 2, the arrangement permittihg'the table and. legs to" be folded, one upon the other, and to be closely folded with relation to the end frames 10, as'will be apparent.

, may be adjustably clamped as by screw bolts 22 in a 'guideway 23 formed or secured to the bed I3.

These filler blocks are of a size and shapesub in theformof a T-bar having a plain straight.

clamping face (see Fig, '7) and having the flanges cut away adjacent the ends as at 25 to provide end extremities 26 comprised of the vertically disposed webs of the bar which are adapted to extend between the spaced uprights H for connection to operating means comprising a connecting rod 21 pivotally connected as at 28 to a treadle 29 pivoted to the base of the machine, as for example, to the bar IS. A spring 30 connected to the treadle 29 and the end frames Iii acts normally to hold the treadle and clamping bar 2 in raised or unclamped position.

The bending plate '3 advantageously may be.

in the form of, an angle bar 32 of suitable shape, replaceably secured, in any desired manner, to a carrier 33', hanging in opposed hangers 34, which in turn, may be pinned as at 35 to shafts or'rock- 7' ing arms 36 journaled in the end frames [0, and provided at their outer extremities with operating handles 31, outwardly beyond the end frames.

Conveniently; additional operating handles 38 maybe secured. to-the bending plate carrier between the end frames, as. by. suitablefastenings 39', for the-convenience of the operator. a

Preferably the bending plate carrier 33 .is adjustable in thehanger 34'so asfto'vary the degree of compression of the rib portions inth'e; region of. .the bend .01? throughout iasubstantial'distance. across thecounterflange. :As will be apparent, if it. isdesiredxto'compress or flatten the rib .portions tightly. .to reinforce the :counterflange, 1 the bending plate, .32.:must be slightly higher (as viewedin Fig. 9) than would be the case if a more or less open bend and ribbed counter flange is desired. f-Thisiis' accomplished in the illustrated bendingplate preparatory 'to clamping itiin ad-'-.

justed position upon tightening of the bolts 40.

r In lthezembodirnent of the invention shown in Fig; 6, the clampingplate is" provided with aver tical :backing' face C', and advantageously this may be'r'emovably secured to the'clamp-ing plate by means of suitable fastenings, such as bolts 44. Withsuch construction and with the bending plate. in its.uppermost adjusted position, the ribbed portionsoflthe flashingwill be. tightl flattened across the: counterflange.

* Assuming that itis desired to form a counter flange on a transversely ribbed dovetail sheet 7 metal as shown in Fig.1, the' sheet of metal'is laid upon the bed or table ,with its upper face down, the filler blocks having been previously'adjustedalong; the guideway 23 to be accurately 60.

positionedin: the groove portions of the sheet, there being one filler blockfor .each groove. The operator then clamps'the sheet in position by pressing the treadle 29 causing theclamping bar 24T't0. belowered .to' clamp the groove portions of 65 g the sheet securely in position between. the clamping barand the filler blocks. The bending plate B may then berotatedabout its pivot P' due to movement of the hand levers 31 and38, to bend the unclampedimarginal edge of thesheetflmaterialupwardlyabout the pivot point P (see Figs.- 4,15.andf6) 'Ihe bending plate obviously engages thefdepending rib portions of'the sheet intermediate -the..clampedigrooveportions and permits. of .the .tapering of the metal of the rib .ad.-.

the" bend so aszto': faciiitate in making: an accurate and sharp bench The surface of the material which lies against the filler blocksF will, use, constitute the bottomof a drainage groove of thefflashingatnd because it is clamped securely opposedel'amping'surfaces 2| and 24 during" the bending operation, there will be no distortion of the surfaces and hence free drain age of water of infiltration into the wall be in- Among theadvantagesofthe invention is the improved. character of flashing material that is produced. by it, namely, that the bottoms of. the drainage grooves are free from distortion. The e is simple in construction and may easily be transported from place to place and set up foruseon: theiob; and when-the filler blocks are shaped 'anntad iustedt for any particular type and construction of. flashing, suitable bends'or flanges may be produced on the ribbed flashing expeditiou'sliy and economically.

Having described my invention I claim as new:

1. The method of forming a counter flange on ribbed sheet metal flashing sheets and the like such as is formed with a plurality of alternate ribs and water drainage grooves, which comprises clamping the groove portions of the underside of said sheet on opposite sides adjacent the plane of the bend, leaving intermediate unclamped rib portions, and applying a bending pressure to the rib portions throughout a marginal edge portion of said sheet.

2. The method of forming a counter flange on ribbed sheet metal flashing sheets and the like such as is formed with a plurality of alternate ribs and water drainage grooves, which comprises clamping the sheet between opposed clamping surfaces at spaced points throughout the length of the sheet and applying a bending pressure to the unclamped intermediate portions.

3. The method of forming a counter flange on ribbed sheet metal flashing sheets and the like such as is formed with a plurality of alternate ribs and water drainage grooves, which comprises clamping the sheet between opposed clamping surfaces at spaced points throughout the length of the sheet and applying a bending pressure to the unolamped intermediate portions in a plane spaced from the plane of said clamped portions.

4. The method of forming a counter flange on sheet metal through-wall flashing of the type having a series of alternate transverse ribs and water drainage grooves, which comprises applying a bending pressure to a surface of the rib portions of said sheet while clamping the opposite surfaces of the intermediate groove portions against deflection or distortion whereby to confine the drainage surfaces of said grooves in a symmetrical plane, free from upward bulging such as would retard draining of water from the surface of said grooves.

5. The method of forming a counter flange on sheet metal through-wall flashing of the type having a series of alternate transverse ribs and water drainage grooves, which comprises applying a bending pressure to a surface of the rib portions of said sheet while clamping the opposite surfaces of the intermediate groove portions against deflection or distortion whereby to confine the drainage surfaces of said grooves in a symmetrical plane, free from upward bulging such as would retard draining of water from the surface of said grooves, the bending pressure being initially applied in a plane spaced from the plane of the clamped groove portion.

Y 6. A. machine" for bending a counter flange onribbed material having: a. plurality of alternate ribs andigrooves such as through-wall flashing, comprising a bed, a plurality of positioning means on said bedadapted to be positioned in groove 5 portions of said material,- cl'amping means for engaging'the groove portions of said material so that said groove portions are clamped between said positioning and clamping means, and means for applying a; bending pressure to a rib portion of. said material throng-heats marginal edge portion thereof to bendsai'd edge portion to an angular position with respect to the body of said machine; V

7. :A machine for bending a counter flange on ribbed material having a plurality of alternate ribs and. grooves such; as through-wall flashing, comprisingab'ed, a plurality of positioningmeans on said had adapted; to' be positionedin groove portions of said; material, clamping means for engaging the groove portions ofsaid material so that said groove portions are clamped between said positioning and clamping means, the intermediate rib portions of said material being unclamped, and means for applying a bending pressure to a rib portion of said material throughout a marginal edge portion thereof to bend said edge portion to an angular position with respect to the body of said material.

8. A machine for bending a counterflange on 30 sheet metal wall flashing of the type having alternate ribs and grooves, comprising a bed, spacing blocks on said bed adapted to be positioned in said grooves and conforming substantially to the cross section, a clamping bar for engaging the opposite surface of said flashing and cooperating with said spacing blocks to clamp the groove portions of said flashing against deflection, and a bending bar having a portion in engagement with the rib portions of said flashing for bending a marginal flange portion of said material to an angular position with respect to the body thereof.

9. A machine for bending a counterflange on sheet metal wall flashing of the type having alternate ribs and grooves, comprising a bed, spacing blocks on said bed adapted to be positioned in said grooves and conforming substantially to the cross section, a clamping bar for engaging the opposite surface of said flashing and cooperating with said spacing blocks to clamp the groove portions of said flashing against deflection, and a bending bar pivoted to the bed of the machine and having a portion in engagement with the rib portions of said flashing for bending 2. mar-- ginal flange portion of said material to an angular position with respect to the body thereof.

10. A machine for bending a counterflange on sheet metal wall flashing of the type having alternate ribs and grooves, comprising a bed, spacing blocks on said bed adapted to be positioned in said grooves and conforming substantially to the cross section thereof, a clamping bar for engaging the opposite surfacewf said flashing and cooperating with said spacing blocks to clamp the groove portions of said flashing against deflection, and a bending bar pivoted to the bed of the machine in a plane spaced from the plane of the clamped groove portions of the flashing and having a portion in engagement with the rib portions of said flashing for bending a marginal flange portion of said material to an angular position with respect to the body thereof.

11. A machine for bending a counterflange on sheet metal wall flashing of the type having alternate ribs and grooves, comprising a bed, spac- 75 ing blocks on said bed adaptedto, bepositioned in said grooves and conforming substantially to the cross section thereof, a clamping bar for engaging the oppositesurface of said flashing and cooperating with said spacing blocks to clamp the groove portions of said flashing againstdeflection, an upwardly swinging bending -bar pivoted to the bedat a plane ;below,the plane of the clamped groove portions having a. portionin engagement with therib portions of saidflashing for bending a marginal flange portion of. said material to. an angularvposition with respect to the body thereof. ,v

12. A bending machine of the character described comprising abed plate, a supporting table at one side of the bedplate, means mounted upon said bed plate for supporting and position- 7 ing ribbed sheet metal of corrugated dovetail shaped configuration, said means adapted to be positioned within the groove portions of said sheet, clamping meansflcooperatingwith the supgroove portions of said metal sheet in position with its groove surfacesupported and clamped against deflection, and meansv acting'wupon the rib, portions of the material intermediate the clamped groove portions forbending a portion of r the sheet transversely of the ribs thereofvand .portingwand positioning'means forclamping the about a plane adjacent the clamped portion 

